forest floor

noun

: the richly organic layer of soil and debris characteristic of forested land

Examples of forest floor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The social media post shared by Missouri Wildlife appears to just be leaf litter on the forest floor. Chad Murphy, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025 The fact that the satellite can image wetlands—represented in pinks and reds in the bottom half of the image—emphasizes its ability to penetrate the thick canopy and investigate the forest floor. Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 June 2025 The zombie hordes, meanwhile, exist for Spike to make his first kill, starting with the fat, bloated ones that writhe around on the forest floor and seem to survive on worms. Damon Wise, Deadline, 18 June 2025 The herb layer, just above the forest floor, is made up of plants, grasses and flowers. Lauren Liebhaber, Miami Herald, 25 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for forest floor

Word History

First Known Use

1849, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of forest floor was in 1849

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Cite this Entry

“Forest floor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/forest%20floor. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

forest floor

noun
: the upper layer of mixed soil and decayed or decaying organic material typical of forested land
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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